Nikon D5500 For Dummies

3

Taking Charge of Exposure

In This Chapter

Understanding the basics of exposure

Choosing the right exposure mode: P, S, A, or M?

Reading meters and other exposure cues

Solving exposure problems

Creating a safety net with automatic bracketing

Understanding exposure is one of the most intimidating challenges for a new photographer. Discussions of the topic are loaded with technical terms — aperture, metering, shutter speed, ISO, and the like. Add the fact that your camera offers many exposure controls, all sporting equally foreign names, and it’s no wonder that most people throw up their hands and decide that their best option is to stick with the Auto exposure mode and let the camera take care of all exposure decisions.

You can, of course, turn out good shots in Auto mode, and I fully relate to the confusion you may be feeling — I’ve been there. But I can also promise that ...